Speaking at the White House after being evacuated from the Washington Hilton, Trump said he was initially confused by the sound that triggered the security response.
“I was totally shocked that something happened,” he said, adding, “The fact that the First Lady and I heard a noise, and I thought it was a tray going down, and it was a pretty loud noise and quite far away. He hadn’t breached the area at all.”
Trump said the suspect was “taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service” who “acted very quickly.” He added that one officer was shot during the confrontation but was protected by body armour.
According to Trump, the attacker “charged from 50 yards away” but was stopped before reaching the ballroom where the event was being held.
“The room was very, very secure,” he said, stressing that the suspect never entered the main hall where Trump, senior administration officials and hundreds of journalists had gathered.
The president confirmed that one Secret Service officer was injured but survived.
“One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing a, obviously a very good bulletproof vest… The vest did the job,” Trump said, adding that the officer was “in great shape” and “in very high spirits.”
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said charges were expected soon.
“There will be multiple charges around the shooting, around the possession of firearms and anything else that we can get on this guy,” he said, while noting that “the investigation is obviously ongoing and just started.”
Blanche said federal agencies were already pursuing search warrants and gathering evidence linked to the suspect.
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators were examining “all the ballistics that were found on scene to include the Long Gun and the shell casings,” while also conducting interviews.
“You saw the very best of America tonight. The very best unite us at a time of uncertainty,” Patel said, urging the public to assist investigators. “No piece of information is too small.”
Trump repeatedly praised the emergency response.
“They acted very quickly, I was very impressed with Secret Service. I’m the one who would complain,” he said.
Describing the moments after shots were heard, Trump said the situation developed rapidly.
“I was watching to see what was happening… probably should have gone down even faster,” he said, adding that the first lady reacted immediately and both were swiftly escorted out.
Trump said he wanted the event to continue despite the disruption.
“I fought like hell to stay,” he said, but acknowledged that security procedures required evacuation. He added that the dinner would be held again within 30 days.
Guests at the Washington Hilton reported hearing “five-six loud bangs” before diving under tables as Trump, the first lady and Cabinet members were removed from the venue.
The Secret Service said the suspect was detained near the screening area and confirmed that all protected individuals were safe.
Trump said authorities were investigating whether the attacker acted alone, describing him as “a sick person” and suggesting early indications pointed to a “lone wolf”.
Reflecting on the risks of public office, Trump said, “It’s a dangerous profession,” but indicated the incident would not change his approach.
He also called for national unity. “We need to resolve our differences, Republicans, Democrats and independents,” he said, adding that the gathering had briefly reflected a shared national moment despite the disruption.
